This really long book is read by an old Russian guy (or at least in the voice of one) who speaks slowly and quietly, drawing the listener deep into every drawn out word. The result is a narration that takes forever to get through, but totally pulls you deep into the dark Russian psyche. You keep wanting to dislike Raskolnikov, but Dostoevsky is so excellent at describing details, including those of complex thoughts and emotions that you end up so inside his head that can’t help but suffer along with him from his perspective, making independent and objective judgement impossible. His self loathing becomes your own, his frustration and lashing out at the world is accepted and indeed liberating for the listener, no matter how debased it may seem to a casual observer of Raskolnikov’s actions. His acts are consistent with his thoughts, which have long ago become your own…
Length: 25.5 hrs
9/2002: Brought a darkness and gloom to a sunny Seattle summer, but significantly reduced air conditioning expenses.
